Multi layer cover

ABSTRACT

A cover for protecting patio furniture or other objects from adverse weather includes an outer layer and an inner layer removably attached to one another. The inner layer is a waterproof or water-resistant layer, whereas the outer layer is decorative and replaceable. The outer layer can be removed for either cleaning or replacement. The cover of the present invention affords versatility and flexibility to the consumers and results in cost savings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/205,109, filed on Jul. 24, 2002, which is still pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to removable multi-layer covers to protect articles from adverse or degrading weather such as wind, rain, sun and snow, and, more particularly, to temporary covers for articles that may be stored outdoors (such as barbecue grills, patio furniture, boats, cars, airplanes, etc.) to be removed when the article is put into use.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Protection of articles stored outdoors, such as patio furniture, barbecue grills, boats, and the like, has been markedly improved by advancements in materials used to fabricate covers for the articles. Materials that are both waterproof and breathable aid in shedding rainwater and melting snow or ice, while also dissipating moisture from the immediate environment of the article to prevent mold, mildew and/or rust. The industry is well represented by high performance materials, whether single or multi-ply.

[0004] However, one seemingly inherent drawback to covering articles for outdoor storage is the substantial increase in surface area whereby wind can tip the covered article or blow the cover off of the article. Patio tables are stable in most wind conditions because their frame construction style provides low surface area for winds that generally blow horizontally. These same tables are prone to tip in nominal winds when covered with a broad tarp that acts as a sail over the table's tubular frame.

[0005] What is needed in the industry is a temporary covering for articles stored outdoors that 1) is easy to attach and remove, 2) keeps rain and melting snow off the covered article, 3) is resistant to degradation by the expected weather elements, and 4) reduces the force of wind on the cover or on the covered article.

[0006] Additionally, covers are expensive. It would be desirable to minimize expenses associated with replacing covers as a result of degradation, such as discoloration from the sun, and/or change of style or pattern of the furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a removable cover for protecting an object from exposure to weather comprises an outer layer and at least one inner layer. The cover also includes means for removably attaching the outer layer and the inner layer at at least one contact site(s). In use, the inner layer is removably attached to the outer layer at the at least one contact site(s), such that the inner and outer layers are movable independently of each other, except at the at least one contact site(s). In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer is UV resistant, waterproof and durable, whereas the outer layer is removable for cleaning and replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cover secured to a table, with dashed lines representing an inner layer, according to the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, depicting different means for removably attaching an outer layer to the inner layer.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a cover according to the present invention secured over a boat.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover according to the present invention over a chaise, with dashed lines representing the inner layer.

[0012]FIG. 5 shows a cover according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, wherein the inner and outer layers are approximately the same size.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmental view of means for removably attaching the inner layer to the outer layer of the cover of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] FIGS. 1-2 depict one embodiment of the removable cover 10 of the present invention. Specifically, an outer layer 12 of the cover 10 defines an exterior surface 14 for facing the sun, wind, rain, etc. The outer layer 12 may be fabricated from a single piece of material or include at least one side outer panel 16, joined with a top outer panel 18 by a continuous outer seam 20. Where more than one side outer panel is involved, more than one continuous outer seam 20 may be required between each side outer panel 16 and the top outer panel 18, as well as between different side outer panels 16, as is clearly shown in FIG. 4. The outer layer 12 includes an outer layer edge 22. In the absence of a side outer panel 16, the top panel 18 defines an outer layer edge 22, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] Adjacent to the outer layer 12 is an inner layer 24, shown in FIG. 1 by dashed lines. Both the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 24 are flaccid and pliable so that they substantially conform to one another. The inner layer 24 defines an interior surface 25, as shown in FIG. 2, that faces and touches the object to be covered. The inner layer defines an inner layer edge 26. The inner layer 24 need not be the same size or define the same area as the outer layer 12, such as depicted in FIG. 2. The inner layer 24 is durable to protect the outer layer 12 from damage due to friction against stress points 28 on the object 30. Stress points 28 are herein defined as segments wherein the cover 10 rubs against the underlying object 30 causing friction under normal use, such as when the cover 10 is blown by wind. The inner layer 24 may comprise a patch or a plurality of patches attached to the inner layer 24 at expected stress points rather than a continuous layer between the outer layer 12 and every point where the cover 10 touches the object 42. For example, such an inner layer 24 configured for the table of FIG. 1 would define the shape of a ring.

[0017] The inner layer 24 is also preferably UV resistant, defined herein as retaining at least 40.0% (corrected) of its tensile strength after twelve (12) months of exposure to the sun. One appropriate test for UV stability or UV resistance is the “South Florida∞ test whereby samples with no backing are positioned with the exterior surface 14 facing south and inclined at a 45° angle in the geographic vicinity of Miami, Fla. Tensile strength is measured according to ASTM test D-1682-64. To obtain corrected UV stability, the number of months exposure that yield tensile strength of 50%, 40% and 30%, respectively, of the original (unexposed) tensile strength are added, and the sum is divided by three. Where the latter divided sum is greater than or equal to 12 months, the material is considered “UV resistant∞, as that term is used herein.

[0018] The inner layer 24 is also preferably waterproof, defined herein as resisting water penetration under a hydrostatic head value of at least 30.0 millibars. Hydrostatic head, or hydrohead, is used to determine the resistance of a material to penetration by water under relatively low hydrostatic pressure. Exemplary tests for hydrohead include Federal Test Methods Standard No. 191A, Method 5514; AATCC Test Method 127-89; and INDA Test Method 80-4-92 (modified to include a screen support). The above tests generally apply to non-woven materials, but the inner layer 24 is not necessarily limited to those materials so long as the hydrohead of the inner layer 24 resists water penetration to at least 30.0 mbar. This limitation may be met by the material of the outer layer 12 itself or by a coating applied to the surface of the inner layer 24 that faces opposite the outer layer 12.

[0019] The inner layer 24 is also preferably durable. Durable is defined herein as resistant to failure by abrasion. Abrasion resistance may be measured by ASTM D 3885-99, and a cover according to the present invention should withstand at least 40 cycles to about 300 cycles at a tension load of 2 pounds and a balance head load of 0.5 pounds before failure of the inner layer by abrasion.

[0020] The cover 10 also includes means 31 for removably attaching the outer layer 12 to the inner layer 24. The means 31 may include two complimentary halves 32, 34 affixed to the inner layer 24 and outer layer 12, respectively. The two complimentary means 32, 34 for removably attaching the inner layer 24 to the outer layer 12 are located at one or more contact sites 36. The one or more contact sites are chosen based on such factors as the type of removably attaching means, the shape and size of the inner layer and the outer layer, the expected climate, the shape of the article, and the amount of freedom desired between the inner layer 24 and outer layer 12. For example, typically chosen contact sites 36 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the contact sites are disposed around the inner layer edge 26 and the outer layer edge 22. However, for larger objects, the cover 10 may include additional means 31 for removably attaching the outer layer 12 and inner layer 24 that are strategically located, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the means 32, 34 for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is a button and loop system 38, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, one or more buttons 40 are affixed to the inner layer 24 and corresponding loops 42, each having an outer loop edge 44, are formed in the outer layer 12 to receive the button 40. Preferably, the outer loop edge 44 is elastic, thereby improving its ability to both receive and maintain the position of the button 40. Alternatively, one or more of the buttons 40 can be affixed to the outer layer 12, and the corresponding loops 42 located on the inner layer 224. The loop system 38 compensates for manufacturing deviations in placement of buttons 40 and loops 42.

[0023] The use of other means 32, 34 for removably attaching the inner layer 24 to the outer layer 12 is also acceptable. For example, hook and loop systems, buckles, and Velcro® and other male/female type connectors are satisfactory substitutes. In addition, zippers 46 may also be utilized, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, a plurality of short zippers 46 are used; however, a single, long zipper 46 attaching the layers is, in some cases, also acceptable.

[0024] The outer and inner layers 12, 24, when removably attached, are attached to each other in such a manner as to allow substantial relative movement between them in areas other than the contact sites. This allows wind to blow and move the outer layer 12 in a relatively independent manner from the inner layer 24, dissipating energy more effectively than single layer covers, or multi-layer covers that are bound in a way that does not allow independent movement between the different layers.

[0025] One embodiment of the cover 10 includes at least one means for removably securing 48 the cover 10 to an object 38, such as the table shown in FIGS. 1-2. The means for removably securing 48 each define a fixed end 50 (shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6) that is fixedly attached to the inner layer 24, and a free end 52 that includes a releasable fastener such as the hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro®) depicted in FIG. 1. The releasable fastener may also include a drawstring, or an S-hook attached to the free end 52 as shown in FIG. 3 for attaching to another releasable fastener or to the object itself. The drawstring and S-hook examples make clear that the means for removably securing 48 need not secure directly to the object 30, but may instead partially envelop the object to prevent inadvertent removal of the cover 10. The means for removably securing 48 may also include a belt, buckle, tie or strip of material, snap, button, grommet, or any of the variety of known non-destructively removable fasteners. The means for removably securing 48 may also include a material with a high co-efficient of friction that is fixably, or removably attached to the inner layer, as disclosed in a copending application Ser. No. 60/409,824, filed Sep. 10, 2002.

[0026]FIG. 3 depicts in cross section of a cover 10 according to the present invention affixed to a boat. The outer layer 12 is removably attached to the inner layer 24, though as depicted each layer is a single uninterrupted swath of material rather than a plurality of panels. In this embodiment, the outer layer edge 22 is not attached to the inner layer 24, but rather is allowed to fall freely. Portions of the inner layer 24 are pulled tightly against the hull of the boat by the means for removably securing 48, with S-hooks attached to each other. A gap between the outer layer edge 22 and the inner layer 24 allows increased air circulation between the layers 12, 24 in this embodiment. The means for removably attaching 31 are spaced away from the edges 22, 26.

[0027]FIG. 4 illustrates a cover 10 according to the present invention over a chaise, wherein the inner layer 24 is shown in dashed lines is removably attached to the outer layer 12 via a plurality of buttons 40.

[0028] Where the inner layer 24 is a circle of smaller size than the outer layer 12 as in FIG. 5, the contact site(s) may be along the outermost edge of the inner layer 24.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a cross section similar to FIG. 5 except the outer layer 12 and the inner layer 24 are the same size, and the outer layer edge 26 is removably attached to the inner layer edge 22. Additionally, in this embodiment the means for removably attaching 31 can be a zipper 46 sewn into the seam between the edges 22, 26. Both FIGS. 3 and 6 show explicitly that the means for removably securing 48 are fixedly attached only to the inner layer 24, and are not sewn through to the outer layer 12 in these embodiments.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer layer 12 is an attractive shell layer. The detachable outer layer 12 is fabricated from attractive patterned material that may match a pattern found on the furniture, for example. In the preferred embodiment, the detachable outer layer 12 is replaceable. In the preferred embodiment, the inner layer 24 is waterproof or water-resistant and provides protection to the covered object.

[0031] One major benefit of the present invention is that the detachable outer layer 12 can be removed for either cleaning or replacement. It would result in significant cost savings for consumers to either clean or even replace the outer layer instead of replacing the entire cover. Additionally, consumers could replace the outer layer 12 if they desire a new design or pattern. Manufacturers and retailers could sell one type of the inner layer 24 and multiple outer layers 12 having different patterns to match patterns of the lawn furniture, or other objects to be covered.

[0032] While the preferred embodiment and several modifications have been shown and described, various additional changes and/or substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments described above are hereby stipulated as illustrative rather than exhaustive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A removable cover for protecting an object from exposure to weather comprising: an outer layer; at least one inner layer disposed over the object, wherein said inner and outer layers are movable independently of each other except at at least one contact site(s); and means for removably attaching said outer layer to said inner are layer, said means for removably attaching being disposed at said contact sites.
 2. The removable cover of claim 1 further comprising means for removably securing said cover to said object.
 3. The removable cover of claim 2 wherein said means for removably securing is selected from the group consisting of drawstring, belt, buckle, tie, hook-and-loop fastener, snap, button, grommet, and hook.
 4. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein said means for removably attaching said outer layer to said inner layer is comprised of a first and a second halves, said first half of said means is affixed to the inner layer and the second half of said means is affixed to the outer layer.
 5. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one contact site is along an edge of the inner layer.
 6. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one contact site is a plurality of contact sites spaced from one another.
 7. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein said inner layer is UV resistant.
 8. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein said inner layer is fabricated from a polymeric material.
 9. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein said at least one contact site defines at least one contact area, the sum of the contact areas being substantially less than an area defined by the interior surface.
 10. The removable cover of claim 9 wherein said at least one inner layer is a durable single layer.
 11. The removable cover of claim 1 wherein said inner layer is waterproof.
 12. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein said means for removably attaching said outer layer to said inner layer is comprised of at least one button affixed to one layer and at least one loop for receiving said button disposed on the other layer.
 13. The removable cover of claim 12, wherein said loop has an outer loop edge and wherein said outer loop edge is elastic.
 14. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is comprised of at least one buckle, each buckle having a first half affixed to one said layer and a corresponding second half affixed to said another layer.
 15. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is comprised of at least one hook affixed to one said layer and a loop for receiving said hook affixed to another said layer.
 16. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is comprised of at least one Velcro® strip having a male half affixed to one said layer and a female half affixed to another said layer.
 17. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is comprised of at least one snap having a male half affixed to one said layer and a female half affixed to another said layer.
 18. The removable cover of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching the outer layer to the inner layer is comprised of at least one length of a zipper, having one half affixed one said layer and a second half affixed to another said layer.
 19. A removable cover for protecting an object from exposure to weather comprising: a single layer having an interior surface for contacting the object and an exterior surface; and means for removably attaching is disposed on said single layer for allowing attachment of said single layer to a second layer.
 20. The removable cover of claim 19 wherein said single layer has a layer edge and wherein the means for removably attaching said single layer to said second layer is located within a close proximity to said layer edge.
 21. The removable cover of claim 19 further comprising means for removably securing said cover to said object, said means for removably securing is affixed to said single layer.
 22. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is either at least one button or at least one means for receiving said button.
 23. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is at least one male or female portion of a buckle.
 24. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is at least one male or female strip of Velcro®.
 25. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is at least one male or female half of a snap for receiving a second layer.
 26. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said single layer is fabricated from durable material.
 27. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said single layer is fabricated from polymeric material.
 28. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said single layer is UV resistant.
 29. The removable cover of claim 19, wherein said single layer is waterproof.
 30. A removable cover for protecting an object from exposure to weather comprising: a single layer having an exterior surface for exposure to weather and an interior surface; and means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer.
 31. The removable cover of claim 30, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is either at least one button or at least one means for receiving said button.
 32. The removable cover of claim 30, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is at least one male or female portion of a buckle.
 33. The removable cover of claim 30, wherein said means for removably attaching said single layer to a second layer is at least one male or female strip of Velcro®.
 34. A removable cover for protecting an object comprising: an outer layer; an inner layer disposed over the object, wherein said inner and outer layers are movable independently of each other except at at least one contact site(s); a first plurality of connectors disposed on one said layer; and a second plurality of connectors for mating with said first said plurality of connectors, said second plurality of connectors disposed on said other layer for removably attaching said outer layer to said inner are layer at said contact sites. 